Elkerülni

Elkerülni is a Hungarian verb meaning to avoid, to get around, or to sidestep something undesirable. It denotes taking action to prevent an unwanted outcome or to steer clear of a situation, person, or place. The word is formed by adding the prefix el- to the verb kerülni (to avoid, to get around), with the nuance of completion or removal.

Usage and grammar: elkerülni is a transitive verb that normally takes a direct object in the accusative case, representing what is being avoided. For example: El kell kerülni a problémát. (We must avoid the problem.) Elkerülni a konfliktust nem mindig egyszerű. (Avoiding the conflict isn’t always easy.) In past tense you can say, for instance, Elkerültük a veszélyt. The verb also participates in compound tenses and can appear in passive or impersonal constructions, such as Elkerülhető volt a baj. Common collocations include problémát, veszélyt, vitát, konfliktust, megbetegedést or bajt.

Nuances and usage notes: elkerülni often emphasizes deliberate precautions or strategic avoidance rather than mere chance. It can imply proactive planning to prevent trouble, rather than reacting after the fact. In some contexts, a synonymous but more mechanical alternative is kikerülni (to get around) or elhárítani (to avert or remove an obstacle). Antonyms include szembenézni (to face) or vállalni a kockázatot (to take on the risk).

Etymology and related forms: elkerülni derives from the root kerülni with the prefix el-, a common Hungarian pattern that adds notions of removal or avoidance. Related terms include kerülni, kikerülni, and elhárítani.

Overall, elkerülni is a versatile, widely used verb in both spoken and written Hungarian for describing intentional avoidance of problems, dangers, or difficult situations.